ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-TWO: I See You
182
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Alden’s invitation to the first Rapport came just after ten thirty in the morning, as expected. He took one final look around Matadero’s teleportation area and touched the driftwood brooch he wore on the front of his vest as if it might have gotten crooked in the twenty seconds that had elapsed since the last time he’d checked it. Then, he grabbed the handle of his suitcase, picked up the basket he’d prepared yesterday, and accepted.
No backing out now, he thought.
A moment later, he was in the art’h summonarium, standing face to face with his host.
“Hello!” said Stuart.
Alden had wondered if he would get Formal Stuart or Casual Stuart to start with today, and the question was answered immediately by the Primary’s son exclaiming, “Earth fruit! Is this all Earth fruit?” and then springing over to look at the basket before Alden could even answer him.
“Is this for…your second meal?” Stuart asked, bent low to examine it.
He was totally going to ask if it was for him.